Podcast Summary: "Going West: True Crime" Episode 486 - Angela Craig

Introduction

In Episode 486 of "Going West: True Crime," hosts Heath Merryman and Daphne Woolsoncroft delve into the chilling case of Angela Craig, a 43-year-old mother from Colorado whose mysterious illness led to her untimely death. This episode unravels the intricate web of deceit, financial desperation, and calculated murder orchestrated by her husband, Jim Craig. Released on March 18, 2025, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the case, highlighting key developments, pivotal moments, and disturbing revelations.

Background of Angela Craig

Angela Prey was born on April 15, 1979, in Dodge City, Kansas, into a large Mormon family as the youngest of ten children. On December 18, 1999, at the age of 20, Angela married James "Jim" Craig. The couple relocated to Aurora, a suburb of Denver, Colorado, where they raised six children. Angela was known as a devoted mother, passionate about interior design, sewing, woodworking, and family activities. Jim, a dedicated dentist, owned Summer Brook Dental and was respected in his community.

Financial Troubles and Marital Strain

Despite a seemingly stable family life, Jim Craig faced significant financial challenges. By 2020, the pandemic exacerbated his financial woes, leading him to file for bankruptcy with debts totaling $2.2 million. To salvage his practice, Jim partnered with Ryan Redfern, a dental school friend, making Ryan and his wife, Michelle, key figures in the unfolding drama.

By early 2023, Jim's financial situation deteriorated further. He secured loans against their $1 million home and accumulated substantial debts, including over $300,000 owed to the IRS and $200,000 in credit card debt. These mounting pressures led to marital tensions, with Jim admitting to Ryan that he and Angela were undergoing a marital crisis. Despite this, Angela made efforts to mend their relationship, as evidenced by their affectionate text exchanges on March 1, 2023:

Angela to Jim [03:40]: "Your healing and happiness. This marriage is more important than my day. You are more important than my day."

The Onset of Angela's Mysterious Illness

On March 6, 2023, Angela experienced sudden and severe health issues. After consuming a protein shake prepared by Jim, which contained extra protein, she began feeling dizzy and unwell. Their subsequent text messages reveal Jim's initially supportive yet increasingly suspicious behavior:

Jim to Angela [11:42]: "I'm super shaky."

Angela to Jim [11:42]: "I usually did not add a scoop of caffeine to my protein shakes and reiterated that she felt really weird."

As Angela's condition worsened, Jim took her to Parker Adventist Hospital. Despite her deteriorating health, doctors found no immediate cause and discharged her. Concerned by the lack of answers, Angela continued to seek medical help, leading to a second hospitalization on March 9, where her condition became critical, necessitating life support.

Investigation Unfolds: Uncovering the Murder Plot

Ryan Redfern's suspicions were piqued when an employee discovered a suspicious package containing potassium cyanide delivered to the dental office on March 15, 2023. This revelation aligned with Angela's unexplained symptoms, prompting Ryan and Michelle to alert the authorities [19:22].

Jim's defense hinged on bizarre explanations for his actions. When confronted, he claimed the cyanide was a surprise ring for Angela and later suggested it was part of a "deadly game of chicken," a statement that raised significant red flags [22:39]:

Jim to Ryan [22:39]: "So if it wasn't my wife, this would be kind of a fun puzzle to try to work out. Exclamation point."

Further investigation revealed Jim's extensive research into poisons:

Jim's Google Searches [37:36]:

• "How many grams of pure arsenic will kill a human?"
• "Is arsenic detectable in an autopsy?"

Additionally, Jim ordered 10 grams of arsenic metal and oleandrin, a poisonous plant extract, to carry out his heinous plan [37:47].

Jim's Manipulative Actions Post-Arrest

Following Angela's death on March 18, 2023, Jim attempted to obfuscate the truth by implicating others and attempting to falsify evidence. His actions included:

• Threatening Detective Bobby Olson: Jim sought to discredit the lead detective investigating Angela's murder by attempting to hire someone to kill her [46:08].

• Involving Inmates: He coerced inmates to assist in his murder-for-hire schemes, offering incentives such as dental work in exchange for their compliance [48:20].

• Alleged Affair and Alibi: Jim's extramarital affair with Karen Kane further complicated his narrative. Karen, an orthodontist from Texas, was ruled out as a suspect after it was confirmed that their relationship never involved physical contact [41:05].

Despite his manipulative efforts, evidence overwhelmingly pointed to Jim's guilt. Investigators found Jim's home and office laden with incriminating evidence, including traces of poisons and fraudulent digital footprints.

Legal Proceedings and Current Status

In October 2023, Jim Craig pleaded not guilty to Angela Craig's murder. However, his legal troubles intensified when his defense attorney, Harvey Steinberg, withdrew from the case, citing Jim's persistence in fraudulent and criminal actions [50:41]. Subsequently, Jim's defense was taken over by attorneys Robert Working and Lisa Moses, who attempted to undermine the evidence by claiming the absence of drug remnants in the Craig household [52:08].

The trial, initially set for July 2025, faces significant delays and complications due to Jim's continuous attempts to interfere with the justice system from prison. His ongoing schemes to tarnish the reputations of involved officers and manipulate further legal narratives illustrate the depth of his deceit and malevolence.

Conclusion

Episode 486 of "Going West: True Crime" meticulously outlines the tragic and manipulative actions of Jim Craig, whose financial desperation and personal failings culminated in the calculated murder of his wife, Angela Craig. The episode underscores the complexities of financial motives in criminal cases and the lengths to which perpetrators may go to evade justice. As the legal battle continues, the hope remains that Angela's family will achieve the justice they deserve, providing some solace amidst their profound loss.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Angela's Text to Jim [02:03]: "This is the story of Angela Craig."

• Jim’s Plea to Ryan [27:09]: "We are doing some spring cleaning and we're also buying some new things to be able to replace those old things."

• Jim’s Final Text [22:39]: "If this wasn't my wife, this would be kind of a fun puzzle to try to work out. Exclamation point."

• Jim's Threat to Detective Olson [46:53]: "The worst, dirtiest detective in the world is on my case... We have to discredit her."

Further Information

Listeners interested in more details and visual content can visit the "Going West: True Crime" social media pages on Instagram and Facebook. Updates on the trial and ongoing developments will continue to be covered in upcoming episodes.

Disclaimer

This summary is intended to provide an overview of the podcast episode "Angela Craig // 486" and is based solely on the provided transcript. For comprehensive insights and nuanced discussions, listening to the full episode is recommended.